Research Findings Show Smoke-Free Workplaces Reduce Heart Attacks

Exposure to secondhand smoke is harmful to a person's health and should be avoided, especially those with known coronary artery disease or heart disease. Mayo Clinic researchers have found that the incidence of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths have decreased since the implementation of comprehensive smoke-free laws in Olmsted County, Minn., in 2002.

Richard Hurt, M.D., director of Mayo Clinic's Nicotine Dependence Center, led the study and used data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, to look at the relationship of smoke-free workplaces and restaurants in Olmsted County and the incidence of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death. The results were presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions in Orlando.

Dr. Richard Hurt discusses the findings of the study in this video.

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Science & Technology

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• secondhand smoke
• smoke
• Richard Hurt
• M.D.
• smoke-free ordinance